Schumer: Senate will act on marijuana legalization with or without Biden

[DonViejo]

Source: Politico


The majority leader shared his plans for cannabis legislation with POLITICO in an exclusive interview.

By NATALIE FERTIG

04/03/2021 07:00 AM EDT

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer really likes to talk about weed.

Schumer has been making waves on cannabis policy since he first introduced a bill to legalize marijuana in April 2018. It was part of his pitch for voting Democrat in the 2020 election, and now — with the majority in hand — he is putting together new federal marijuana reform legislation with Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

This week, Schumer’s home state of New York legalized marijuana use for adults, after years of failed efforts. More than 40 percent of Americans now live in states that have embraced full legalization.

President Joe Biden has been a conspicuous outlier among Democrats when it comes to supporting marijuana legalization. But Schumer said Biden’s reticence won’t deter the Senate from taking aggressive action to loosen federal restrictions.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/03/schumer-senate-marijuana-legalization-478963

[aocommunalpunch]

1. Translation: Dems like being popular.

This is not reading the room. This is listening to the room fucking scream at you and politely nodding your head in affirmation. Try doing that with other legislation and negotiating tactics. The results may surprise you.

[Phoenix61]

2. Schumer is right.

I think Biden may be stuck in the “marijuana as a gateway drug” trap. (It’s not. Cigarettes are.) I think Biden will come around. The same way Pelosi came around to impeaching the former guy.

[PatSeg]

7. I think he will as well

Biden is a very reasonable person and I think he can be persuaded. This is one of the few thing I disagree with him about.

[George II]

12. Biden isn't stuck in anything at all. Read the article, nowhere in it did Biden....

....say he's against it. He wants more information, that's all.

This is what Schumer actually said:

"Well, he said he'd like to see more information on the issue. I respect that.", and "He said he's studying the issue..."

He's not a no and he's not a yes. Let's stop telling Biden what to do or characterizing his position even before he presents his position himself.

[Shermann]

26. We want more studies, we want more information, we want more conversation

...we make no firm statements ourselves.

So that's really a talking point meant to delay and deny. Where have we seen that before?

I accept that Biden has higher priorities right now, but this is settled science going back decades. To delay and deny on this issue is to flirt with having an anti-science position on it.

[George II]

27. No, no, no. He never mentioned "studies" or "conversations", he said "INFORMATION".....

That could very likely be things like how will legalization be implemented, will it be taxed, will it be controlled, etc.

Nothing at all about "delay and deny". NOTHING. So obviously we haven't seen this before.

Why is it always a negative if it isn't done NOW?

[WinstonSmith4740]

29. I think Joe is handling this perfectly.

If he came out as a proponent of federal legalization, the Rethugs would clutch their pearls and HOWL about how Joe is trying to push drugs on OUR CHILDREN!!!! Greene or Boebert would file impeachment charges. It would be the lead and only story on Fox for weeks. (Matt who?) This way, he's educating himself on the most recent research, and will go with the will of the people, even if he still personally disagrees. As a practicing, devout Catholic, he's done it with the abortion issue for years...this is a walk in the park.

[George II]

30. Exactly. His position as a Catholic is a great example. He's 100% against abortion, but won't....

....stand in the way of pro-abortion legislation. To him (like me) it's up to the individual.

By the way, Greene has already filed an Article of Impeachment:

H. Res. 57

Impeaching Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States, for abuse of power by enabling bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Filed about 6 weeks ago, zero Cosponsors. It's still sitting there, referred to two committees.

[WinstonSmith4740]

39. I thought I had read something about that!

I was never a big fan of John Boehner, but he's hit it right on the head in his book...ever since 2008, any lunatic with an "R" after their name could get elected. Most the republican caucus fits into that description now. They're either stupid, crazy, or craven sycophants. Actually, that pretty much describes all of them today.

[Cha]

46. Good point!

[Shermann]

32. So the article doesn't specifically say Biden is delaying, therefore he isn't delaying?

Of course he is delaying. He could end federal restrictions with the stroke of a pen, and hasn't done that. States are the laboratories of democracy, and the results of the weed experiment are peer-reviewed and published. IT'S FINE.

In Biden's defense, he didn't run on this issue and made no campaign promises regarding it. He's not big on surprises, so it is what it is and we are where we are.

Anybody who cares about marijuana decriminalization can be justifiably frustrated with the rate of progress, especially at the federal level. This is feeling like a missed opportunity in progress.

[Phoenix61]

36. Biden has come out saying he's good with

decriminalizing it but not legalizing it. He has said that more than once. I’m not surprised he told Schumer he’s open to looking at information but that doesn’t change what he has already said.

[Cha]

45. TY for that.. If Pres Biden

thought it was a "gateway drug.." he wouldn't think it should be "de-criminalized".

[Skittles]

48. naw, he is stuck

oh yes

[PatrickforB]

16. This 'gateway' thing reminds me of a story.

I was at an economic development event back in the day, and got in an argument with a guy who said that marijuana was a gateway drug.

I told him that back in the way-back-when, when we were in junior high and a bag was $15, the same pusher who had the pot also had the pills and the powders. So, naturally, when he had you as a customer for a while, it was easy to say, hey, I have some reds or whatever that you should try.

But now that marijuana has been legalized, it is sold in clean, heavily regulated, heavily taxed outlets - either dispensaries or retail stores, and that those pushers don't even run in the same circles. So, legalization actually removed pot as a gateway drug.

Besides, I went on, prohibitions only create organized crime. We know this from both the Prohibition and the War on Drugs. Vicious cartels. Legalize, pull their fangs, collect taxes, and better control distribution by age. Way to go.

He shook his head. But I am right here, and so is Schumer. Legalize, baby, legalize!

[Phoenix61]

37. Yep! I could get weed all day long in middle school.

Beer was a lot harder. My dealer didn’t card me but the store clerk always did.

[msongs]

42. government legal prices are so high street dealers can easily undercut. organized crime is

benefiting from legal weed too

[colsohlibgal]

3. It's Time Joe

You have otherwise shown signs of being an FDR type Democratic force this is a chance to continue that momentum.

Alcohol is a bigger problem for the most part. And legalization is inevitable why not add that to your accomplishments?

And plaudits to Schumer I wouldn’t have guessed he was pro legalization.

[Delarage]

4. Maybe it's a Delaware thing

We have Democrats in charge of everything but legalizing marijuana never gets anywhere. With our majorities here, we should be able to grow it in our yards if we wanted.

[uncle ray]

5. FWIW most states have legalized via ballot initatives.

[Walleye]

9. I think we need a 3/5 majority or somesuch shit in the legislature

Should’ve passed years ago. Governor Jack Markell would’ve Pushed it harder, I think.

[Haggard Celine]

6. Yes!

Do it, Schumer! Do it soon!

[George II]

8. Another Politico divisive headline (not yours, sir!) Schumer did NOT say "with or without Biden"...

....and even the article didn't say Biden was against it.

Schumer said, "I want to make my arguments to him, as many other advocates will..", meaning a detailed and serious discussion with Biden hasn't even taken place yet. But Politico has to insinuate divisiveness, giving the appearance that Biden doesn't agree with Schumer.

In fact, this is what Schumer said about it:

"..he said he'd like to see more information on the issue. I respect that. I certainly will have an ongoing conversation with him, and tell him how my views evolved."

Biden has NEVER said he was totally against it, and Schumer didn't say Biden was against it.

And Schumer never said explicitly he'd move forward "with or without Biden."

[Voltaire2]

14. It's what politico does.

You should keep that in mind when discussing other articles from politico and similar sources about other Democratic politicians.

[PatrickforB]

18. Good point on Politico.

I don't think Biden is the bad guy here, either. He is just a bit more hesitant, and will very likely turn around on the issue.

Pot really should be legalized. It has become a $2billion industry in my state, and that's no joke. It provides a good number of decent-paying jobs, and has pulled the fangs from some of these cartels.

[RobinA]

54. I Don't Think

we are anywhere near the point of having an American President come out in favor of federal legalization of pot. Too risky. It will have to be done, and probably will be done, by Congress. That said, Biden is not the guy to be the President who does come out in support of legalization. If one ever does. That's not a dis against him, he's just a cautious guy.

[ramen]

20. Thanks for this, I'm glad you pointed out Politico's angle. nt

[Cha]

47. Oh gawd.. TY for the

enlightenment.

[madville]

10. And legalize growing at home

The prices and taxes on “legal” government approved weed are ridiculous and unaffordable to most poor people. I know people spending $100 or more a week on “prescription” weed in my state. I can brew beer at home but can’t grow a plant? Medical pot is just a huge money-making scheme to the politicians and their business associates.

[berniesandersmittens]

17. Amen to this

[Unwind Your Mind]

25. Which state is that?

I’m always surprised that I can walk out with some good stuff for the same price we paid 35 years ago. There’s definitely some that costs more (or less even) and our sales tax is 20% but still, not a bad deal.

Eta, California here

[JoeOtterbein]

11. Good political move.

Weed is a win win!

[DENVERPOPS]

22. Frankly

I am shocked that Big Tobacco hasn't found a way to monopolize it and control it all for themselves and their profits.......
We already have a U.S. Drug Cartel, and a U.S. Alcohol Cartel.

The citizens of the U.S. most assuredly need some type of "help" from their friends, to fathom the shit going on in the Goverment's politics all across the land. ...........

[SheltieLover]

13. Good!

[riversedge]

15. Keep pushing

[Botany]

19. Democrats in power and legal dope?

Have I died and gone to heaven?



Right Wing Christian Conservatives heads must be 'sploding.

[KS Toronado]

21. Right Wing Christian Conservatives heads will be figuring out how to make money off of it.

[LiberalLovinLug]

34. "Right Wing Christian Conservatives heads will be figuring out how to make money off of it."

Yup.

Here in Canada, before legalization, for Conservatives it was all fire and brimstone if the Liberals even dared to think about legalizing it.

But as they were leaving, when Trudeau had won his first term, knowing legalization was inevitable, as it was a Liberal promise, they used their money and position and influence on the way out the door to invest controlling interests in emerging mega corporate pot farms.

Conservatives the world over are easy to define by what they hold dear. Its not tackling drug addiction, and the toll it takes on communities, its not the sanctity of traditional marriage, its not fiscal responsibility for the nation. Its MONEY.....in their pockets. That is their god.

[DENVERPOPS]

23. Damn

That is one incredibly peaceful photo. Thanks

[RestoreAmerica2020]

28. Damn that's one great photo. Is that an actual place say your back yard vista?

..Biden has said that he'll support decriminalizing [vs legalizing perhaps its just.semantics ? ] cannibus.

Ok Joe--I say go for it--realease every person who is serving time for use/possesion; expunge their records and provide paid work training program to re-enter society

Something I've heard VP Harris propose--in addition to giving offenders an opportunity to work in, profit from cannibus industry [will add source on edit.] ..

Paz

[Botany]

35. West Virginia .... New River Gorge

n/t

[jalan48]

24. Glad to see how progressive Dems are getting. What a difference four years makes.

[HalfSleeves81]

31. Common sense legalization needed

I support legalization. Here in NY we did just that. Although I'm not in support of public consumption so maybe I'm still a square in that respect. We don't allow people to drink alcohol on a public sidewalk, the same should go for marijuana use since incidental contact can occur. Just my opinion.

[rickyhall]

33. I've been watching a documentary series on Hulu called Homicide Hunter. On the 9th season now.

Want to how many murders were alcohol related? Nearly all. Pot related? ZERO. And pot's a federal crime but anyone over 21 can buy alcohol. What wrong with the picture?

[Hekate]

38. Good. They each have their own job to do. If the Senate brings the bill to Biden, he will sign it.nt

[BlueWavePsych]

40. Sounds like a plan.

[regnaD kciN]

41. If Chuck thinks he can get THAT past a Republican filibuster, he must be high...

[Voltaire2]

43. Oddly enough there just might be

enough votes from their side to break a filibuster. Legalization is a hugely popular issue and the ‘libertarian wing’ of the party theoretically supports it.

[Tree Lady]

52. And they would love to pass something Joe is against nt

[Maxheader]

49. Don't know of any president that has ever promoted drug legalization..Obama,

didn't. Worries about the overall affect on the country?

Kids doing dope? There would still be a black market.

And the violence it would bring. Highway accidents?

These things have to be considered when your the captain of the ship.....

[Voltaire2]

50. It is legal in 15 states.

There has been no increase in highway fatalities. No increase in crime rates. No increase in pot usage. There has been a drastic decrease in pot arrests and incarcerations, probably that is the horror you should focus on.

FDR relegalized booze and got re-elected three times after that. Just as a point of reference.

[HalfSleeves81]

51. Not necessarily true

In regards to driving while under the influence, statistic increases are mixed depending on time period and location. We should definitely focus more on enforcement training for police and it should not be legal to smoke on a sidewalk where everyone walks especially in high traffic areas. Make it legal, but let's have common sense.

[Maxheader]

53. I'm glad..

However, leaders still need to recognize any potential pitfalls..